How to Ship Your Car to Another State: A Complete Guide

Summary

• Introduction to interstate car shipping and its importance.

• Step-by-step guide to shipping a car to another state.

• Detailed breakdown of factors affecting car shipping costs.

• Benefits of using professional car shipping services.

• Why AmeriFreight is a top choice for auto transport.

• Frequently asked questions about car shipping.

Introduction: Why Ship Your Car to Another State?

Moving across states or relocating for work can be a daunting task, and driving your car across hundreds or thousands of miles might not be ideal. Whether you’re moving, buying a car out of state, or simply need to get your vehicle to a different location, shipping your car to another state can save time, effort, and wear on your vehicle.

Choosing the right car shipping company is essential for ensuring a hassle-free experience. In this blog, we’ll guide you through every aspect of shipping a car to another state, from selecting a transport service to preparing your vehicle for shipping. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make the process as smooth as possible—and you’ll understand why AmeriFreight stands out as one of the top choices for reliable and affordable auto transport.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Your Car to Another State

1. Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company

When shipping your car across states, selecting a trustworthy auto transport company is the most critical step. However, this process can be overwhelming if you're not sure what to look for. That's where auto shipping brokers like AmeriFreight come in—they take care of the vetting process for you and ensure that only the best carriers are selected. Here’s what AmeriFreight will verify to partner you with the right carrier:

Proper Licensing and Registration: AmeriFreight ensures that the carrier is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and holds a valid USDOT number, guaranteeing compliance with safety regulations.

Insurance Coverage: AmeriFreight confirms that the carrier has active and adequate insurance to protect your vehicle during transport. If needed, they can provide additional gap coverage options for your peace of mind.

Reputation and Reviews: AmeriFreight thoroughly researches carriers by reviewing their industry-wide reputation, as well as their history of previous shipments. They only partner with carriers who have strong ratings and a history of satisfied customers.

Experience: Experience matters, and AmeriFreight works with carriers who have a proven track record in handling the complexities of auto transport.

By choosing AmeriFreight, you can trust that your vehicle will be shipped with a thoroughly vetted, reliable carrier, backed by a company with a strong reputation in the auto transport industry.

2. Decide on the Type of Transport Service

You’ll need to choose between two main types of transport: open carrier and enclosed carrier. Each has its benefits and price differences:

• Open Carrier: This is the most common and cost-effective method for car shipping. Your car is transported on an open trailer, alongside other vehicles. While open carriers are exposed to the elements, they are safe and used for the vast majority of car shipments.

• Enclosed Carrier: If you own a luxury, antique, or high-value vehicle, enclosed transport provides additional protection from weather, debris, and road hazards. While more expensive than open carriers, enclosed shipping ensures your car remains completely protected throughout the journey.

For most vehicles, open carrier shipping is sufficient and affordable. However, enclosed carriers are ideal for owners of high-end cars who want extra peace of mind.

3. Get a Quote and Compare Costs

Once you’ve chosen a transport method, it’s time to request quotes. Most companies, including AmeriFreight, offer easy-to-use online quote calculators. To get an accurate quote, you’ll need to provide:

• Pick-up and drop-off locations: The distance between locations is one of the main factors affecting the cost.

• Vehicle details: The make, model, and condition of your car (e.g., whether it’s operable or inoperable) will impact the price.

• Preferred transport method: As mentioned, enclosed shipping will be more expensive than open transport.

• Delivery timeline: Expedited shipping services come at a premium, but are available if you need your car shipped faster.

4. Schedule the Shipment

After comparing quotes and selecting a company, it’s time to schedule the shipment. It’s essential to coordinate with the transport company to ensure that pick-up and delivery dates align with your move. Car shipping generally takes 1-2 weeks depending on the distance, but expedited options can shorten this time.

Be sure to provide your contact information and availability so the driver can reach you for updates or in case of any unexpected delays.

5. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Before your car is loaded onto the carrier, you’ll need to prepare it for transport:

• Clean Your Car: Give your car a thorough wash. A clean vehicle makes it easier to document any pre-existing damage before shipping.

• Document Condition: Inspect your car for scratches, dents, or any other damage. Take detailed photos from all angles as a reference for after the vehicle is delivered.

• Remove Personal Items: Transport companies are not liable for any personal items left in the car, and most will not allow personal items to be shipped at all due to DOT regulations. It’s best to remove everything from the interior, including valuables, electronics, and personal belongings.

• Check Fluids and Tire Pressure: Ensure your car’s fluids are topped off, the tires are properly inflated, and there are no fluid leaks. 

• Leave a Quarter-Tank of Gas: Your car only needs a small amount of gas for loading and unloading, so keep it at about a quarter-tank full.

Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs

Several factors influence the cost of shipping a car to another state:

• Distance: The farther your car has to travel, the more expensive the shipping will be.

• Transport Type: Open carriers are more affordable than enclosed carriers.

• Car Size and Condition: Larger vehicles, like SUVs or trucks, cost more to ship. If your car is inoperable, it will also cost more to transport.

• Time of Year: Spring and Summer are peak times for car transport, so prices may be higher during these seasons.

• Route and Delivery Options: Popular routes between major cities tend to be less expensive, while remote areas may incur additional costs. 

• Expedited Shipping: If you need your car delivered quickly, expect to pay a premium for expedited services.

Benefits of Professional Car Shipping Services

Using a professional car shipping service offers several advantages:

• Safety and Security: Shipping your car with a licensed and insured company ensures that your vehicle is in good hands and covered by insurance during the entire process.

• Convenience: Professional services handle everything from pick-up to delivery, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

• Insurance Protection: Auto shipping brokers like AmeriFreight carefully verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is active and provides adequate protection for your vehicle during transport. Additionally, they offer optional gap coverage for those seeking an extra layer of security beyond insurance coverage.

• Cost-Effective: While driving your car across states might seem like a cheaper option, consider the cost of gas, wear and tear, lodging, and your time. Shipping your car can often be a more cost-effective solution.

Bonus Tip: 

• Check for Discounts: Many companies, including AmeriFreight, offer discounts for military personnel, students, or senior citizens. Be sure to inquire about any special pricing.

Why AmeriFreight?

AmeriFreight stands out as a leading auto transport company due to its combination of reliability, affordability, and customer service. With years of experience, AmeriFreight offers competitive pricing, a variety of transport options, and extensive customer support for every shipment.

Here’s why AmeriFreight is your best choice:

• Affordable rates with no hidden fees.

• Excellent customer reviews and high satisfaction ratings.

• Discounts available for military, students, senior citizens, and more.

If you're ready to ship your car to another state, trust AmeriFreight to handle it safely and efficiently. Get an instant quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does car shipping take?

• Typically, it takes 1-2 weeks to ship a car cross-country. Delivery time depends on distance, route, and weather conditions.

2. Is car shipping safe?

• Yes, professional car shipping companies like AmeriFreight are licensed, insured, and partner with carriers who are experienced in handling vehicles safely.

3. Can I ship personal items inside the car?

• It is strongly recommended  to remove all personal items from the vehicle as they are not covered by insurance, nor are carriers permitted to transport personal belongings per DOT regulations. 

4. What happens if my car gets damaged during transport?

• In the rare event of damage, AmeriFreight can walk you through the steps necessary to file an insurance claim through the carrier’s insurance provider. 

5. How much does it cost to ship a car across states?

• The cost depends on several factors, including distance, car model, shipping method, and timing. You can get a free quote from AmeriFreight’s website to get an estimate.

Shipping your car to another state doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps outlined here and choosing a reputable company like AmeriFreight, you can ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely and on time.